What a fascinating book. I had no knowledge of this group of women who did such heroic work near the front lines of France during WWI. Fascinating piece of historical fiction, based more closely on real people than most historical fiction. The dual time line part set in 1987 helped provide context, but didn’t overpower the main WWI story line. Love the theme of books and stories bringing hope to those who are surviving in extreme circumstances.

I really enjoyed this read, learned a lot more about WWI, and with the author notes at the end even more. She put a lot of time into the research to make this read come alive! Sadly, part of France is still contaminated, and will remain so!
This is the story of bringing food and some joy, through books, to these survivors in Northern France. We are there as there is constant shelling, along with mine fields, and loss of life.
Heiress Anne Morgan is there along with Dr M. D, actually another Anne, and others brought to life by the author, along with Jessie "Kit" Carson, sponsored by Ms Morgan. I loved the character of Kit, and then the you have Marcella, and loved the gift she gives to Wendy at the end.
We are gifted some sweet romance, the CARDS, and bringing joy back into the lives of this devastated area, books!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Atria Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

I enjoyed this book, but have to be honest. I enjoyed the WWI part of the story better than the present day portion. Learning about the CARDs was very interesting and gave the book more meaning. My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.

Thank you Atria books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade. This is a fascinating real life based historical novel centering on Jessie “Kit”Carson a New York public library librarian. She leaves her family and position behind to go to France during WWI. There she helps devastated villages rebuild and brings books to the villagers, especially the children. She helps develop children’s libraries in France . A new concept at that time.
The other character of this dual time line novel is a fictional librarian at the New York pubic library in 1987. Wendy Peterson is also an aspiring writer who discovers Jessie Carson’s existence while preserving documents and delves into researching and writing about Jessie.
This novel is a well paced thought provoking read.

I loved this book about this little known period in history and how it highlights the joy of the written word in tough time.s . It is exquisitely written

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC for this book. This was an interesting read about something I haven't previously heard about. The story of these brave women made me want to learn more as well as sharing their heroic roles during these conflicts with others.

A fantastic work of historical fiction about real librarians and their attempts to make books accessible to readers. The story of Miss Morgan's Book Brigade was masterfully written. The dual timeframe was highly entertaining. I was inspired by what I saw and was curious to find out more about Jessie Carson. This book vividly tells the inspirational tale of several extraordinarily brave women who, during World War I, assisted French communities in recovering from German occupation and devastation. An extra plot line was introduced by combining the historical chronology with the contemporary one of writer Wendy Peterson, a young librarian who discovers the information about the CARDS while doing some archiving. I heartily endorse this book with five of five strong stars.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is an interesting story set in France during the First World War. It is written with multiple references to classic literature that are woven seamlessly throughout the story and the character's conversations. Throughout the chaos and destruction of war and the losses of so much, the importance of reading and the access to books shines. This is an enjoyable read.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

A solid read that held my interest throughout. I am constantly amazed at the history of WWII and the author's focus on libraries and books in France is highly compelling. Thank you NetGalley for the advance ecopy

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is a captivating dual-timeline novel that unveils the extraordinary true story of Jessie Carson, an American librarian who, during World War I, revolutionized the French library system through the American Committee for Devastated France. The narrative gracefully alternates between Jessie's experiences in war-torn France and Wendy Peterson's 1987 quest to uncover Jessie's fate. Filled with literary references and book quotes, the novel beautifully explores the profound impact of literature, especially in the face of historical adversity. While the characters may feel somewhat two-dimensional, the meticulous historical context, vivid setting, and the enchanting inclusion of bookish elements make Miss Morgan's Book Brigade an engaging and heartfelt ode to the enduring power of books and the unsung heroes who bring them to the world.

MISS MORGANS BOOK BRIGADE
BY: JANET SKESLIEN CHARLES

Five Sparkling Stars!

"Books are bridges, they show how we're connected."

If ever a historical novel was worthy of all of the stars beyond the five allotted to them, then they would belong to, "MISS MORGANS BOOK BRIGADE,"a masterpiece that would easily win that prize. This beautifully written story based on historical facts and people is written with an incredibly huge heart by Janet Skeslien Charles. It brings alive on the page some of the courageous and giving women that not only helped to rebuild the war zone torn villages of Northern France, but also Jesse "Kit" Carson who brought the gift of books by both mobile libraries and took part in rebuilding libraries starting in 1918, during World War I. These women were sponsored by Anne Morgan by and Dr. Anne Murray Dike who implemented the American Committee for Devastated France commonly known as "CARDS." This is a meticulously researched part of unknown history that is brought to light by this author that is an excellent, well written absorbing story that everybody should be taught in school.

I never expected such a moving and gripping, fascinating part of the unknown history of the transforming power of so many familiar books that held the keys to heal a nation until having the pleasure of reading this. It was not just books alone but the goodwill of librarian Kit Carlson from the New York Public Library who innately knew how the power of stories could heal not only children but adults as well bringing hope to the masses of people who suffered unimaginable losses. Her efforts helped people who lost everything to want to renter the land of living from the brink of giving up. I don't remember the last time I read such an uplifting and inspirational story that was so hypnotic in every written passage that restored my faith in the human spirit like these characters did.

This historical fiction novel is the perfect love letter that pays homage to book lovers and spoke volumes to me of the reason I love to read. I had been in a book slump and this one has deeply resonated with me and has stolen my heart. There were so many people who had experienced unthinkable losses whose lives were decimated by war. The resilience that they showed in the face of so much suffering were helped to carry onward and start again by the good deeds done by these CARDS. Having been given the right novel by Kit that she knew would be the perfect anecdote helped a woman who had lost her husband and only child come out of being a recluse and engage with her community again. Reading to children by engaging their minds helped both the children and gave their mothers a much needed respite.

"Anne always remembered the silvery peaceful beauty and fragrant calm of that night.
It was the last night before sorrow touched her life; and no life is ever quite the same
again when once that cold, sanctifying touch has been laid upon it.

"Trees were so rare in that country, and they had to make such a hard fight to grow,
that we used to feel anxious about them, and visit them as if they were persons."

"When I used to read fairy tales, I fancied that kind of thing never happened, and now
here I am in the middle of one!"

It takes time for Kit to build trust with the widows. She sees that the library for which she was hired as a librarian by Anne Morgan with paid wages is in massive need of repairs. She held many years of experience on both the West and East Coasts. She always dreamed of working in the New York Public Library where she worked as an assistant director in the children's department. She is nervous being so close to the German front constantly hearing bombs and the ground shaking. She takes to delivering books going with other members of the CARD girls delivering provisions to help the remaining population survive. They are close to the front will they survive?

Wendy Peterson in 1987 works at the New York Public Library preserving rare documents while attending graduate school to become a writer. Her writing workshop that meets has an instructor that critiques hers and the other eleven students short stories. Wendy discovers Kit Carson's name on one of the many documents about the CARD program of World War I. When she learns that kit was a former New York Public Librarian prior to serving close to the German front, it intrigues Wendy to research further. What Wendy finds could be a manuscript for the book that she wanted to write. Will Wendy find the obscure information?

The seventy years later brings a commonality in an unexpected way that ties these two librarians together in ways the reader can't guess. I loved this book so much because of the heavy focus on books. I loved seeing that women made a contribution to do their small part for the greater good of people during the Great War that was about the CARD volunteers. This is at times heartwarming and heart wrenching. It was unique and I loved it because I learned something new. I really overall see this as a top reading experience if not just this year but a favorite lifetime reading experience. Lovers of historical fiction and books in general will adore this novel. Anybody who enjoys writing will be pleasantly surprised at all the passages from great authors young or old, there is something for everyone in this fantastic novel. This is a rare gem full of heart.

Publication Date: April 30th, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, Janet Skeslien Charles, and Atria for providing me with this special ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#MissMorgansBookBrigade #JanietSkeslienCharles #Atria #NetGalley

MISS MORGANS BOOK BRIGADE
BY: JANET SKESLIEN CHARLES

Five Sparkling Stars!

"Books are bridges, they show how we're connected."

If ever a historical novel was worthy of all of the stars beyond the five allotted to them, then they would belong to, "MISS MORGANS BOOK BRIGADE,"a masterpiece that would easily win that prize. This beautifully written story based on historical facts and people is written with an incredibly huge heart by Janet Skeslien Charles. It brings alive on the page some of the courageous and giving women that not only helped to rebuild the war zone torn villages of Northern France, but also Jesse "Kit" Carson who brought the gift of books by both mobile libraries and took part in rebuilding libraries starting in 1918, during World War I. These women were sponsored by Anne Morgan by and Dr. Anne Murray Dike who implemented the American Committee for Devastated France commonly known as "CARDS." This is a meticulously researched part of unknown history that is brought to light by this author that is an excellent, well written absorbing story that everybody should be taught in school.

I never expected such a moving and gripping, fascinating part of the unknown history of the transforming power of so many familiar books that held the keys to heal a nation until having the pleasure of reading this. It was not just books alone but the goodwill of librarian Kit Carlson from the New York Public Library who innately knew how the power of stories could heal not only children but adults as well bringing hope to the masses of people who suffered unimaginable losses. Her efforts helped people who lost everything to want to renter the land of living from the brink of giving up. I don't remember the last time I read such an uplifting and inspirational story that was so hypnotic in every written passage that restored my faith in the human spirit like these characters did.

This historical fiction novel is the perfect love letter that pays homage to book lovers and spoke volumes to me of the reason I love to read. I had been in a book slump and this one has deeply resonated with me and has stolen my heart. There were so many people who had experienced unthinkable losses whose lives were decimated by war. The resilience that they showed in the face of so much suffering were helped to carry onward and start again by the good deeds done by these CARDS. Having been given the right novel by Kit that she knew would be the perfect anecdote helped a woman who had lost her husband and only child come out of being a recluse and engage with her community again. Reading to children by engaging their minds helped both the children and gave their mothers a much needed respite.

"Anne always remembered the silvery peaceful beauty and fragrant calm of that night.
It was the last night before sorrow touched her life; and no life is ever quite the same
again when once that cold, sanctifying touch has been laid upon it.

"Trees were so rare in that country, and they had to make such a hard fight to grow,
that we used to feel anxious about them, and visit them as if they were persons."

"When I used to read fairy tales, I fancied that kind of thing never happened, and now
here I am in the middle of one!"

It takes time for Kit to build trust with the widows. She sees that the library for which she was hired as a librarian by Anne Morgan with paid wages is in massive need of repairs. She held many years of experience on both the West and East Coasts. She always dreamed of working in the New York Public Library where she worked as an assistant director in the children's department. She is nervous being so close to the German front constantly hearing bombs and the ground shaking. She takes to delivering books going with other members of the CARD girls delivering provisions to help the remaining population survive. They are close to the front will they survive?

Wendy Peterson in 1987 works at the New York Public Library preserving rare documents while attending graduate school to become a writer. Her writing workshop that meets has an instructor that critiques hers and the other eleven students short stories. Wendy discovers Kit Carson's name on one of the many documents about the CARD program of World War I. When she learns that kit was a former New York Public Librarian prior to serving close to the German front, it intrigues Wendy to research further. What Wendy finds could be a manuscript for the book that she wanted to write. Will Wendy find the obscure information?

The seventy years later brings a commonality in an unexpected way that ties these two librarians together in ways the reader can't guess. I loved this book so much because of the heavy focus on books. I loved seeing that women made a contribution to do their small part for the greater good of people during the Great War that was about the CARD volunteers. This is at times heartwarming and heart wrenching. It was unique and I loved it because I learned something new. I really overall see this as a top reading experience if not just this year but a favorite lifetime reading experience. Lovers of historical fiction and books in general will adore this novel. Anybody who enjoys writing will be pleasantly surprised at all the passages from great authors young or old, there is something for everyone in this fantastic novel. This is a rare gem full of heart.

Publication Date: April 30th, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, Janet Skeslien Charles, and Atria for providing me with this special ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#MissMorgansBookBrigade #JanietSkeslienCharles #Atria #NetGalley

This book is a delightful read that is founded on the strength of women to get things done, the love of books and libraries, and the belief that all people should have access to all books. Drawn from real events and real people, I learned a lot about the Committee for Devastated France (CARD) and the work that these women did. This story follows Jessie Carson who takes a pause from her job in 1918 at the New York Public Library to go to France and help rebuild communities that have been impacted by the war. She is passionate about children's libraries and providing help wherever she can. A secondary storyline follows Wendy, a New York Public Librarian in 1987 who has briefly learned of Jessie and wants to learn more about the woman and her war efforts.

This was all new information to me, and I'm a librarian. This is why I love historical fiction and especially when it is about strong women and, of course, books.. Who knew that Children's Libraries were introduced to a devastated France after WWI by an American librarian? Thank you to the author.

Based on the true story of an American librarian who shook up the literary landscape in France, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade details the incredible work of Jessie Carson and the American Committee for Devastated France.

This dual-timeline novel dives into a 1918 war-torn France following the women who supported the French communities just miles from the front. The women of CARD work to bring necessities to the people of the community including the joy of reading led by the inspiring effort of NYPL librarian Jessie Carson. Fast-forward nearly 70 years, NYPL librarian and aspiring author Wendy Peterson comes across the name Jessie Carson in the archives while maintaining the records of CARD. But this passing reference is all that was left, and Wendy makes it her mission to research the elusive librarian and the work she did. As she uncovers information, she finds how the paths of two librarians can converge even across time.

I absolutely love books that are based on incredible women, and this novel is no exception. The way that the author weaves in history and brings a voice to these historical women is beautiful. The reader gets a realistic sense of what life was like during World War I in France. The author not only the terror and difficulties of war but also highlights the resiliency and strength of the people and CARD in that region. Carson's impact not only on those villages but the French library system as a whole was inspiring. Wendy's determination to research and bring a voice to those women, specifically Carson, brought an additional view on the impact and inspiration stories of unstoppable women can be across time. Her story as she searches for Jessie Carson and information about CARD rounded out the novel as she found herself and her voice.

I would recommend this novel to everyone. I think Jessie Carson's story is one that should be shared with the world.

For readers who love:
-Historical Fiction
-Based on a True Story
-Determined, Unstoppable Women
-Dual Timelines & POVs

I am always pulled towards any book that is about books. Unfortunately this one just didn’t engage me. It felt a bit fluffy in terms of how easily the women won over those who had suffered terribly during the war. I’ve also read a number of books about hero women during war time so I might just be saturated on this plot.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade was such a beautifully written story. I really enjoyed the dual timeline. I left feeling inspired and wanting to learn more about Jessie Carson. This was my first read from Janet Skeslien Charles and I can’t wait to read more! Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Library lovers, this is the book for you! Filled with literary references, quotes from your favorite books, and TWO librarians, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is an ode to book lovers everywhere. This novel tells the true story of Jessie "Kit" Carson, the librarian who shared books with the children of war torn France during WWI as part of the CARD (American Committee for Devastated France) project. Her story is told partially through Kit herself and partially through Wendy, a writer in the 80s who discovers the CARDs and vows to reveal Kit's story. Kit travels from New York to France, which has been left devastated by the Germans, and brings with her books to share with the children. Kit not only shares her love of reading with the children of France but also connects with her fellow CARDs and the entire community.

This book beautifully demonstrates the power of reading, especially in Kit's reflections and literary anecdotes. I loved hearing her quote from some of my favorite books and using those quotes to get through difficult situations. I also loved that this was a true story, and one I haven't heard before! I had never heard about the CARDs, and Skeslien Charles painted an excellent and well-researched picture of France. While I typically find dual timelines jarring, I thought this one was well done, weaving the two stories together seamlessly. Wendy's story was not as interesting, but it was interesting to hear about the CARDs in the present day.

My main challenge with this book was the dimensionality and emotions of the characters. Many of the characters felt two-dimensional (including the main characters) and their emotions felt very Pollyanna-esque, even in the face of horrible brutality. That aspect of the book made it hard to connect deeply with the book as I felt like the characters were more caricatures, lacking complex feelings. However, the historical context of Kit's story as well as the evocative setting of France during WWI (and of course all the book quotes!) definitely won me over.

If you enjoy books that share the power of books and feel-good historical novels, you would probably enjoy Miss Morgan's Book Brigade. It reminded me of the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek in all the best ways.

4/5

Thank you, NetGalley, for the arc!

An absolutely intriguing look at am important part of women's history during World War One. Jessie becomes a CARD onlut forty miles from the front lines in France. These women provided support, intelligence and a thirst for knowledge. They helped to set up thriving children's libraries. I loved learning about these incredibly brave women.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is the story of Jessie“Kit” Carson, a librarian at the New York Public Library, who gets invited to take part in a group that brought aid to the French during World War I. The group was led by Anne Morgan and Anne Murray Dike. They were known as the CARDs because of the initials of their organization in French ( Comité Americain pour les Regions Devastees de France). The organization was made up of American debutantes who helped to rebuild France. Kit Carson was assigned to rebuild the libraries.

The novel is well-written and carefully researched. It is a very readable novel if you are a lover of books and book quotes. There are many Anne of Green Gables quotes as well as quotes from other novels. It is told as a dual timeline with the other timeline being an aspiring writer in 1987. There are many parallels among the two timelines. One that stood out to me was the fact that both had critics that really affected them. As a book lover myself, I really enjoyed this novel and will now also read The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. I’d like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.

With a dual timeline, this book of historical fiction delineates the life of Jessie Carson, a librarian from the New York Public Library. She left for France in 1918 during the Great War to join the American Committee for Devasted France. Living 40 miles from the front, these brave women (called CARDs) worked under Anne Morgan (daughter of J. P. Morgan) and Anne Murray Dike (a doctor) to help the people living in devastation and constant danger. Jessie, known as Kit, developed children’s libraries which were unheard of at the time. Wendy, in 1987, works at the NYPL and strives to be a writer. She comes across the name Jessie Carson and is determined to learn all about her. This is a fascinating and extremely well researched book, full of very brave women, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and learn all about them. With thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for this ARC. My opinions are my own.